The moment Durandal stepped back into Angel's Share, she was greeted by Kaeya's triumphant voice:
"Tonight's entire bill will be paid by Childe!"
Childe? Paying for everyone?
How is this man so rich?
Durandal stopped at the entrance, staring blankly.
Considering how many millions of Mora she had already "taken" from him, she couldn't help but wonder—
Is his wallet a renewable resource?
Does it regrow every three days like Valberry shrubs?
…Should I slice him for another harvest?
Durandal fell into deep contemplation.
…
…
No. Durandal must not stoop so low.
She let out a breath and decided to spare him.
This time.
"Didn't expect a Fatui Harbinger to be so generous. Well then, I suppose this bard won't be holding back tonight—"
Venti, standing behind her, immediately began walking toward the bar with sparkling eyes full of free wine.
Even though Wendy had given him tens of millions of Mora the last time she visited, Venti was not a man to ignore free drinks.
A deal was a deal.
Free wine was divine providence.
"Oh right! Everyone, let me introduce you. This is Miss Durandal—just like our dear Traveler, she's also a hero who saved Mondstadt~"
Venti hurried back to point at the blonde knight still standing in the doorway.
"Bianca Durandal Atagina," Durandal greeted, placing a hand over her chest with impeccable knightly grace.
"Lovely to meet you all. As for saving Mondstadt—it was nothing worth mentioning. Besides, you took good care of Rita. Consider this my repayment."
"Please, no need for humility," Kaeya replied with his signature flourish.
"Facts are facts. Your deeds will be etched into Mondstadt's history and our poems forever.
Ah, allow me to introduce myself—Kaeya Alberich, Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius.
And I hear Miss Durandal is also a knight. If fate allows, I hope our knights might learn from you someday."
Kaeya had already deduced Durandal's identity the moment she walked in.
It was impossible not to.
That naturally commanding aura, the exceptional beauty, the dignified bearing—
A person like her could only be a chosen existence, the type who would stand out even in a crowd of thousands.
No wonder Rita is only her maid…
Kaeya thought, amused.
Durandal nodded politely.
"I'd be happy to."
"Next is my turn," Childe said as he approached.
"Childe, Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui. You can call me Tartaglia if you prefer, I don't mind either way.
I've heard you're incredibly strong. If possible, I hope to spar with you someday."
Durandal paused.
She smiled gently.
"Of course. I often spar with friends in my world. If anyone here wants to exchange blows for practice, I won't refuse."
What she didn't say was—
You've already lost to me more times than you can count. You just don't know it.
Naturally, she would never ruin his pride by mentioning it.
"Thank you, Miss Durandal!"
Childe's eyes practically sparkled.
He looked like a child seeing fireworks for the first time.
"And everyone—about tonight's free drinks? I've decided something important!
Tomorrow night's entire bill is on me as well!"
"Children live long lives!!"
"Long live!!"
Cheers erupted instantly.
Durandal subtly narrowed her eyes.
That voice—
The one that started the cheering—
She could tell.
It was definitely Paimon.
Well…
Childe was rich.
Her guilt about taking his Mora dissolved instantly.
The cheers gradually faded, and the knights began contemplating Durandal's earlier words.
There's no way I can beat Miss Durandal.
No thanks, I'll spare myself the humiliation.
I admire her deeply, but sparring? I'd last two seconds…
Not a single knight dared think they could defeat her.
However, training under her guidance?
That, everyone secretly wanted.
At the bar, Diluc finally stepped forward.
"Diluc Ragnvindr, owner of the Dawn Winery.
Thank you for your help, Miss Durandal."
Just like Kaeya, he had noticed her the moment she entered.
How could he not?
Durandal practically radiated presence.
Then—
The system suddenly pinged.
[New Task: The host must use the Herrscher of Knowledge persona card to corrupt the books inside the Knights of Favonius headquarters, causing readers to fall asleep.
Then, using the Skyward Lance persona card, guide the Knights to investigate and uncover the 'culprit.']
Durandal stared ahead blankly.
…Again?
I'm going to beat myself again?
Her eyebrow twitched.
Advance Chapters available on Patreon
patreon.com/pikachu614